MBG Task Force Investigates Cause of Student Poisoning in Bangkalan

The Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Task Force in Bangkalan, East Java, is investigating a mass food poisoning incident that affected students at SMA Negeri 1 Kokop.

“We have conducted an in-depth investigation by taking statements from the victims and securing food samples,” said the Head of the Bangkalan MBG Task Force, Bambang Budi Mustika, in Bangkalan on Friday.

He explained that the suspected food poisoning case at SMA Negeri 1 Kokop occurred on Thursday (4/6) after students consumed meals served as part of the MBG programme. A total of 84 students at the school experienced nausea and vomiting. Not only students, but some parents also suffered from poisoning, as some food was taken home and consumed by their families.

In addition to interviewing the affected students, the Bangkalan MBG Task Force has also visited the food provider directly. According to Bambang, while inspecting the conditions at the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG Task Force discovered that the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) at the site had not been updated.

“We are also coordinating with the Bangkalan Regency Health Office regarding this case to conduct clinical tests. Medical personnel on the ground have also secured leftover food samples and vomit samples from the affected students to be taken and intensively examined in a laboratory in Surabaya,” he explained.

Meanwhile, of the 84 students who suffered poisoning, as of Friday (5/6), 12 individuals were still undergoing treatment at the Kokop Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) in Bangkalan.